Vehicle Description
In the days before muscle cars, Oldsmobiles were some of the
hottest cars on the road. This 1955 Olds 98 Starfire convertible
was not only a fantastic performer in 1955, but it also combined
luxury and muscle in a way that still resonates today. A true
gentleman's express, it's a bright reminder of how horsepower and
style have no fear of time.
A true 46k mile car purchased from the estate of the original owner
some 20 years ago by the current owner it was still in original
condition and lovingly cared for when purchased. It has been very
recently repainted in fantastic Coral and Sand Beige, the car's
original combination, in PPG base-coat clear-coat. As the top of
the line, the Starfire was beautifully dressed in dramatic lines
and the two-tone paint accents the stainless side trim, all of
which remains in fantastic shape. Other great details include the
rocket-like hood ornament, the globe emblem on the hood and trunk,
and the jet-exhaust-looking taillight assemblies that definitely
reinforce the "Rocket" part of Rocket 88.
The spacious two-tone interior offers room for six and a variety of
patterns and materials that give it a highly stylized look. Of
course, interior designers had to keep up with the body guys, so
flashy two-tone door panels work with the sleek dual cockpit
dashboard to create a unique driving environment, and they seem to
echo the shape of the exterior trim. The slender steering wheel
features another globe emblem in its center, and the symmetry of
the instrument panel makes it look like the gauges and passenger
trim pieces could be easily swapped for right-hand drive versions
(which is true). There's plenty of hush mat under the original
style hounds tooth carpets that are specifically correct for the
Starfire. When purchased, the seats still had the clear plastic
seat covers from the 50's and the leather had split on the front
seat. So, correct replacements were installed along with new door
panels and the look is very authentic. The gauges all show crisp
markings and bright faces, and this car carries ultra-rare factory
A/C, which was almost completely unheard-of in a convertible. The
original AM radio is still in the dash, the windows are
power-actuated, as is the seat, and the only thing left to replace
was the bright white convertible top which still looks almost new.
The big trunk is beautifully finished with correct materials, side
cards, and a full-sized spare and jack assembly.
Oldsmobile's 324 cubic inch V8 wore a 4-barrel carburetor in the
Starfire, making it one of the hottest cars on the road. Today 202
horsepower may not be a lot, but remember that the original small
block Chevy was only making 150, so the Olds was simply dazzling on
the road. The original engine was rebuilt some years ago, but
thanks to Oldsmobile's legendary metallurgy, it runs superbly and
pulls the flashy hardtop around with a great V8 rumble from the
Flowmaster exhaust system. The original 4-speed HydraMatic
automatic transmission has characteristic firm shifts that feel
great, almost like it's got a shift kit. Power steering is also
part of the package, making this car very easy to drive, and the
undercarriage is nicely preserved, with correct finishes on the
components and plenty of evidence of recent service work. The
original wheels and hubcaps are framed by a set of flashy whitewall
bias-ply tires that fit and look right.
High-fashion fun, this Olds represents performance in the days when
it was built into every car Oldsmobile built, with a little luxury
on the side. When everyone else is driving their Shoebox Chevys,
you'll stand out in this spectacular Starfire convertible. Call
today!